Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2000
Emergency services offered
Warranties offered
"It went very well S&S Electric went above and beyond making sure the trims fit and that I was happy/satisfied with the finished product."
+10
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2003
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"I couldn't have asked for a better experience. They were hired to replace the main electrical panel/breakers at my elderly mother's home. Roni, the electrician, was a wonderful communicator, and was very knowledgeable and thorough in completing the job and in putting her at ease. The price was very reasonable. I will be using Nasr Electric in my own home, as well as recommending them to all my friends and family in the DMV area."
+19
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2002
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"David Stiffler is OUTSTANDING! He's professional, reliable, reasonable and very flexible. I'd recommend him for anyone looking for electrical services. In addition to my exhaust fan, he also hard wired my fire alarm."
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2008
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"John came in and hooked up the wires, added switches for the recessed lights in the kitchen. He even prewired for an island hood vent... another project of mine later down the road. He did the work quickly and cleaned up well. I would use them again for another electrical projects in the near future."
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1925
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"How did it go? Not well. I finally just bought the required ladder at 200 USD and did not pursue Kolb Electric further. I should have just bought the ladder in the first place. Live and learn."
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2011
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Bailey Electric is the best electrical company that I have ever worked with. Everyone there is very respectful , professional , knowledgeable and willingness to help. These are reflections of the owner Personality and how they feel about their clients and staffing . Just good people all around. I own a Small Minority business in Maryland. They have support me more than anyone ever in my life. My business WOULD NOT be Successful without there help. All of my clients love them like I do. NO CALL BACK AFTER 3 YEARS THEY ARE FAMILY TO ME. BEST OF THE BEST I highly recommend them to everyone. UBU BAILEY ELECTRIC"
+8
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1997
Warranties offered
Credit card accepted
"Simply great work and service! Matt, Zack and Ashley were all great to work with. Very pleasant, fast, quality service. Will definitely use again for all our electrical needs."
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2012
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"On June 10, I had a company to install security equipment in my home. In doing so, the installer drilled through a wire and I did not have electricity in several outlets due to the damage. Since the company did not have an electrician on staff and was unable to refer me to anyone, I turned to Angie’s List for help in finding someone to correct the problem. I called Hands on Electric on June 11 and spoke to the owner, Kevin Williams. I explained my problem to Mr. Williams and he gave me a window of time in which he would be able to come out. Not only was he able to come out the same day that I called, but Mr. Williams was able to come much earlier than expected. Once he arrived he was able to trouble shoot and diagnose the problem. Mr. Williams was very, very friendly, professional and honest. He was able to answer my husband’s questions and explained what he was doing as he made the repairs. My husband was very happy about that and we were both impressed by the years of experience Mr. Williams had for his age. I have been looking for an electrician for a while now and have decided that I will be using Hands on Electric for all of my future projects. I was very pleased with the work that was done by Mr. Williams and will recommend him to my friends and family when they need of electrical services."
+6
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1990
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"Lowest price among multiple quotes and significantly more attention to detail and the least visible and least intrusive installation of new wiring from the existing panel. Would definitely recommend and use Mark H. Anderson Electrical Services again!"
Serving Dhs, MD and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2020
Free estimates
Credit card accepted
"I canâ t recommend Ted and Lights and Plugs enough. After getting the run-around from some other local electricians, even the big names, I came across Lights and Plugs. Ted answered my first phone call with no back-and-forth, came out same-day, clearly explained the scope of work and pricing, and completed the job efficiently and successfully. As a new homeowner, he also gave me great information about my electrical service and how to keep my systems in shape. If you need a quality electrician in Pikesville or anywhere in Baltimore, Lights and Plugs is the best choice! Highly recommend Lights and Plugs for a quality, responsive electrician in Baltimore."
+6
There is often some confusion about the type of work these professionals do. They only work on electrical systems such as outlets, lighting fixtures and electrical panels – they aren’t appliance repairmen.
There are three types of electricians: Master, Journeyman and Apprentice. Electrical licensing varies quite a bit by state. Some have licenses for apprentices and some do not. Some have a master’s rank while others stop at journeyman. Despite the differences, they all require a minimum amount of experience and usually classroom time.
Apprentice electricians aren’t usually licensed and spend 4 years learning the trade. Throughout that time, they work on a wide range of projects to learn to become a Journeyman. They’ll do basic work like installing fixtures and replacing outlets all the way to assisting in wiring a home. Regardless of the type of project, they must always be supervised by a Journeyman or Master electrician.
Journeymen work without supervision. In a few states, this is the highest level available and they can do all levels of work from wiring a new home to installing a light. In some states, they need a separate electrical contractor license to run a business. In places with a master’s level, a journeyman can do all work besides design new electrical systems.
Master electricians usually manage a shop, design new electrical systems in new construction and oversee both Journeyman and Apprentices. They typically bid new projects. Though they focus on larger projects, it’s not unheard of for a homeowner to request a Master Electrician for a house call. If you do, expect to spend up to 25% more for the visit.
Generally, you don’t tip electricians, but that’s not to say they don’t appreciate it if you do. You can offer them something to drink or eat, like coffee and donuts. Most will appreciate it if you do.
The education and certifications required to become an electrician vary by state, though they generally follow this list:
Apprentice
Does not always require a license depending on the state.
Learns on the job under Journeyman and Master Electricians.
Usually needs 4 years on-the-job training before they can test for a Journeyman license. Many states also require a technical degree to advance.
Always require supervision.
Journeyman
Needs between 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and usually 500 to 1,000 hours of classroom experience.
Can usually supervise apprentices.
They can diagnose and repair electrical problems.
Master
Achieved after an additional two years (4,000 hours) working as a Journeyman and taking the Master Electrician Exam.
Besides diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, they also design them. In most places they run shops and inspect Journeyman and Apprentice work.
Not a recognized rank in all states.
Electrical Contractor License is an optional license in some states for a Master Electrician to run a business. Some states have this instead of the Master license.
Electricians make an average of $26 per hour but it ranges with experience and licensing. An apprentice may make about half that while a Master Electrician may hit closer to $40 per hour. This figure represents how much they make; not how much they bill. Their salary is only one component of their costs. They must also figure in overhead, taxes, equipment, insurance and several other expenses.
Leave electrical work to the professionals. Electrical systems are complex and potentially hazardous when not handled and installed correctly. If it were easy, it wouldn’t take 4 years to become a journeyman or 6 years for a master’s license. If you are determined to forge ahead yourself, understand home electrical safety before beginning any project.Even for simple common electrical projects, a licensed pro is best. Not only is it safer, but contractors guarantee and insure their work. Hire a professional to keep your home’s electrical systems functioning properly and safely.
Use our comprehensive electrician directory page to find local, licensed contractors. You can browse ratings, reviews and pricing of top professionals in your area. Sign up to receive quotes or let us match you to an electrician near you.
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